Ride Reports

The Buxton GP Ride: 18th May 2008

2008-05-18T01:01:00.003+10:00

by Jamie Elliott

We were greeted by strongish cold winds first thing in the morning, and they pretty much lasted most of the day. Everyone was ready to go by about eight thirty, but by the time I rounded everyone up, and let it be known the way we were going, it was about eight forty before we left the car park. Dave and Veronica turned up at the last minute, Dave using the old excuse of having just done thirteen hundred plus kilometres in the last twenty four hours.

Being conscious of the last ride I led, I made sure I was doing at least one hundred kilometres per hour, trying to stay around 110. We headed off to Gin Gin with no dramas, although we did pass an old Holden with a learner at the wheel, and with around 22-23 bikes overtaking him, he did well not to freak out.

As we entered Gin Gin, Tony and Cathy joined in, and we stopped at the servo for multiple reasons: cigarettes, petrol, drink, and breakfast? Dale had to do a slight adjustment to his oil filler cap on his Vulcan.

We cut across to the Bruce Highway via Highway 15 (I think), nice smooth roads. Too nice for another Vulcan to ignore, and off went Dasher. I went in pursuit to make sure he was OK, which he most definitely was, then we both slowed down for everyone to catch up. After merging onto the Bruce Highway, we cruised through Childers and turned off at the Buxton exit twenty kilometres out of town. It’s at this stage that, for some mysterious reason, everyone’s fuel consumption went off the charts. More than a few of us had a fun time approaching the cattle gridded train tracks mid-bend. Some people crossed them less gracefully than others, though.

Upon reaching Buxton for a leg stretch, we were approached by a local wanting to sell a motorcycle bomber-style jacket. I don’t think she found a buyer, though, most of us remembered to rug-up.

On the return trip from Buxton, things got a bit out of plan. I was cruising along, and noticed Wayne was fast approaching. Not wanting to get in his way, I sped up, not realizing I was throwing stones at him. To avoid the stones, he overtook, and I, not wanting to miss out on a free slipstream, got right behind him into HIS stones. We stopped at the BP across the highway, so some could replace the fuel that went missing on Buxton road, only to find out that Kevin’s Hyosung decided it wanted to get something inspected before going any further; hopefully something simple. So Kevin and Sandy headed home with his bike in tow. The rumour had got around that maybe Kevin’s Hyosung had sung its last song. I’m sure it hasn’t.

A fairly sedate ride through Howard led us to the Burrum Heads Hotel just after 12 PM. A few members called it a day after lunch (same old excuse about having done a thousand miles that day, or something). The rest of us did a bit of sight-seeing of Burrum Heads.

One quick game of follow the leader later, we found a place to park and enjoy the views. One guest found a shady spot for a kip. After some photos were taken, and some yarns were told, we headed for home.

Warren was kind enough to take over as ride leader as I had to stop for fuel and a family visit at Childers. Thanks Warren. Some went their own way at Childers, and the rest followed Warren. Seeing as I didn’t get a phone call that night from him, I take it things went smoothly from that point on. Approximately 320 kms were covered, as we were inducted into our first chilly winter ride.

Thanks to Tony and Loll for being tail end Charlie and Charlene, and thanks also to Wayne for filling in during the “incident” with Kevin’s beast.

Kenilworth Ride: 19th & 20th April 2008

2008-04-19T01:01:00.001+10:00

by Tony Webber

A group of 13 members and 1 visitor on 13 bikes assembled a Quay St ready for the ride to Kenilworth. We got away pretty well on time. Roy saw us off. We went past home to pick up the camera and then out of town via Walker Street to Childers Road.

Travelling on, we turned at Logging Creek and rode to Childers via some great back roads. We regrouped in Childers and then rode on to Sexy Coffee / Servo for smoko. All the while the clouds were gathering. Would it be too wet or too cold? Who could say…we soon found out.

We were blessed with some fairly heavy showers on the way to Gympie, where we stopped for fuel. By this time a fair bit of wet weather gear was evident. Onward into the rain. We arrived at Kenilworth after a good ride but a touch damp.

We immediately hit the pub hoping for lunch, but a Redox type rally had arrived there just before us, so we had to wait for their lunch to be dispatched first. Anyway it poured down rain about this time, so the pub wasn’t a bad place to be. Jo, Tim, Mark, Stephanie and her friend met us here. By the time we were all fed and watered it was about 2.30/3.00.

A few of us decided to brave and elements and had a very pleasant ride up the Obi Obi Road to Mapleton and down to Maleny, returning via Connondale. Hardly a drop of rain.

Meanwhile the others cooled their heels in the pub or went for a wander around town or whatever.

We arrived back about 5.00/5.30 and joined the others for a few drinks and a well-earned meal. During the coarse of the evening, Kerry and John were joined by some friends from Woombye, and we met some very interesting travellers. They were riding postie bikes fitted with knobby tyres, windscreens and decked out for touring. Why? – No one really seemed to know,

Later, John won a meat tray and the ticket seller promised to turn up and cook us breakfast the next morning. He did just that. So we all ended up with a good (free) breakfast of steak, sausages, bacon and eggs. (I think the publican was taking it out of his pay).

The sun was shining as we rode off to Imbil on Sunday morning. We stopped at a lookout, (Kerry dropped her bike) and then rode on to the dam. Not a bad spot.

After a look around we headed back towards Kenilworth, planning to ride back out to Eumundi and then to Pomona for smoko. Didn’t sound like a bad plan but it sure didn’t work out that easily. We had a little bit or getting lost, a little bit of taking a wrong turn here and there and then we had a whole lot of rain and some more rain.

By the time we got to Pomona, perhaps some spirits had been dampened. We mulled around for a while and then some decided to head for home. The remainder had a feed and kicked back for a while. We then headed off and said goodbye to Tim and Mark, who went to Brisbane.

The rest of the crew rode to Matildas at Maryborough where we had a break and a chat. Not too much rain now and then off to Bundy. John A went to see Peter Bowden and the rest of us hit town about 5 o’clock.

In summary, I’d have to say things didn’t go like clockwork on Sunday, but “ya get that”.

A big thanks to Kev for being tail ender all weekend. I’m sure we’ll all look back and have a laugh about it soon.

Ride to Monduran Dam: 16th March 2008

2008-03-16T01:01:00.002+10:00

by Jamie Elliott

I showed up at quay st. & was the first one there. first two to arrive were two guests, then slowly everyone else came in. by 20 past, we were pretty much ready to roll with a headcount of thirteen bikes. then just before we left, Angela turned upon her ZZR with some fuel cap issues that Warren tried to fix, but ended up snapping the key off in the lock. So warren stayed behind to remedy the situation, while we took off at about eight thirty two. The ride to Monduran dam was slow and steady, probably too slow for most, having changed my front and rear sprockets with different gearing, I thought I was doing 100 kph, but was actually doing 92-94. Due to the sedate pace of the majority of the ride to the dam, there were no incidents worthy of mentioning, excepting the slow guy on the red bike at the front.

After Gin Gin, Dave had been trying to get ahead to take video footage of us arriving at the dam. But I gave chase and decided to have some fun in the faster corners, only to have the bike break down continuously. At the same time I pulled over, three police cars came in the opposite direction. Maybe the Cagiva has some sort of emergency radar system that I don't know about. they must have had something else to do, as they didn't turn around and give chase to the less sedate riders that were previously behind me, and were now in front.
After that, the bike was fine, barring a couple of times later and we continued to have a fun ride to Monduran Dam. Prior to arriving at the lookout to the Dam, Peter discovered that his GSXR 1100 decided to run on three cylinders. Which doesn't run as smooth as it should at a hundred and sixty apparently.

After we all had a good break, with Harry reminiscing about the last time he was at that lookout, sometime back in the nineteen seventies, Peter went his way home, and we headed back to Gin Gin to refuel for the trip to Mount Perry for lunch. The weather was excellent, if a bit windy, the roads were pretty much ours, and we all had a great time on our way to lunch. The pretty big coiled up dead carpet snake in the middle of the road was about the only surprise, and I knew the roads should be pretty safe with 2 orange Hayabusa’s flying at us at warp speed. I arrived at the pub, to find that Vic was already there, and wondered how and when he overtook me without me seeing him. As it turned out, he wasn’t aware of the pit stop at Gin Gin, and had gone straight to Mt Perry. We had only just started our first beverage, when Warren arrived on the big KLR, in time for lunch.

The food was good, but the menu was shortened somewhat, with no buns or eggs left for us. The one overworked chicken had pumped out all it’s eggs for a local at breakfast, and ran dry by the time we got there. The Managers Choice award was given to Wayne on his new Yammy R6, dubbed “The Wasp”, which he humbly accepted before she had even announced the winner. The prize being a $15 lunch voucher.

The rain had JUST started to sprinkle as we were all gearing up to go home, but dried up completely not long after we left. Most of us stopped at the Servo, and we waited for the last few bikes to arrive, before heading home. I knew that Vic was on a quest to find some white port at the winery, but didn’t know who else was going to tag along. Seeing as I had one of the 1st aid kits with me and wasn’t sure who was at the winery, when John didn’t show up, I thought I better go find him. 4 km later I found both him and Roy heading my way.

So all in all, it was a great way to spend a Sunday. Thanks go to John Alexander for being Tail end Charlie.

No Rules Retro Ride to Tin Can Bay: 17th February 2008

2008-02-17T01:01:00.000+10:00

by John Alexander

The suggestion that there was some dirt sections in this run didn’t seem to put too many people off, maybe the prospect of no rules was too good to resist.
We left roughly on time for a day ride to Biggenden, taking the short cut via North-South road, saving about 6 klms.

Tony and Loll baled out at this point, (they must have looked to the south). So we hit rain periods on the Woolooga Road, the damp dirt section (5klms) easy to negotiate. We tackled the Widgee road through magnificent lush dairy country, passing some brave individuals attempt to make money from a twin-screen drive-in.

A bit of a tour through the western suburbs of Gympie revealed it was not a no-rules ride after all, a gold medal performance by the corner markers ensured NO ONE GOT LOST!

So on to Tin Can Bay where those in front managed to scurry into town before the downpour. After a good lunch in an un-crowded pub most were a bit towy to roar back to Bundy.

We left a little latter, checking out the spot at the Tin Can Bay – Tuan road intersection where Norm and Alice Gibson got air-born big time when their BMW outfit went over a metre high pile of dirt, put there by the road workers to “discourage” motorists from cutting the corner.

A mostly dry ride home followed, completing 470 klms.

It was good to see all tackle the dirt sections. By including the occasional dirt road it allows us to visit new areas, instead of the well-worn norm and it improves overall riding skills.

Ride to Agnes Waters: 20th January 2008

2008-01-20T01:01:00.001+10:00

by Kevin Cason

After arriving at Quay St car park at 8 am and finding 8 bikes waiting I assumed it would be an ordinary day’s ride, but much to my surprise people just continued to appear. The 8 soon turned to 28 then 38 and finally we departed Quay St at 8.40 am with a group of 40 motorcycles and several pillions (23 club members and 17 guests, 6 of those being from the BURP forum web site) travelling to our first stop at Baffle Creek. This destination was reached without incident or at least so I thought until it was reported that Sandra’s new GS 500 had failed to proceed at Rosedale. After leaving the offending machine at the Rosedale waste recycling centre (the dump) Sandra bravely carried on to The Baffle as pillion on Peter Hansens bike to be met by some good natured comment about the reliability of Suzuki motorcycles. The Baffle country club was a good spot to stop as it was a very humid day and dehydration an ever present danger, although I think the staff might not have agreed when over 40 thirsty bikers turned up on there doorstep at opening time. After refreshments and good conversation we left for Agnes and 1770 via a little known road connecting baffle road with the Agnes road, a recently sealed road with some nice sweeping corners for the enthusiast. I was obviously travelling quite sedately at this point as I was overtaken by several riders, perhaps the reason was that I had a pillion and had to be more responsible. On reaching or destination we rode up to the lookout and; looked out before continuing to the Agnes Waters Tavern for a very enjoyable lunch, a much needed cold drink and some good conversation. Several of the group had already departed having prior commitments by the time the rest of us left the tavern at 2 o’clock for fuel and a very relaxed ride back to Avondale Tavern. The later part of this section seemed to bring out some unusual behaviour in a few of our members. Not mentioning names of course but a certain Cagiva rider and an SV rider seemed to have a very competitive nature. Of course there was the quarter litre rider who seemed to have his ambitions mixed up with his capabilities. We stopped for our mandatory WHS drink stop and debriefing at Avondale before going our separate way to Bundy Anyhow it was a very pleasant ride with some good company and very pleasing to see so many guests turning up for the day. Big thanks to Sid for volunteering to go tail end for the day and also many thanks to Warren, Peter and Tom for staying and helping out with our breakdown at Rosedale (and yes we did eventually rescue the offending Suzuki from the dump).

Lowmead Ride: 18th November 2007

2007-11-18T01:01:00.000+10:00

by Warren Walker

Despite the threatening appearance of the weather a few hardy souls ventured forth to meet at the Quay Street car park at the usual time in a quest for an enjoyable days riding and the companionship of like minded individuals. Unfortunately, due to other commitments, the nominated ride leader was not one of the happy group. This caused some concerns over which way to travel and who should lead. Offering up the suggestion of travelling via Moore Park and checking out a car show I had seen advertised on the board outside the Avondale Tavern I suddenly found myself the ride leader.

So onward we ventured, 8 club members and 2 quests. The group including Harry on “Black Magic” his recycled Honda 750, once again pulled back out of retirement after his mishap from the previous ride and the destruction of his FJR. Although we weren’t going to tell him I think we were all pleased that Harry was able to join us so quickly after such a serious incident and maintain his active participation in the club.

We arrived at Moore Park and promptly took over the shelter shed behind the old skating rink as the threatening rain became a serious shower. Wet weather gear was donned and after some light hearted banter we departed for the ride through Sylvan Sands and Booyan and onto Rosedale Rd. Arriving at the Avondale Tavern we found no sign of the previously mentioned car show and decided to head straight for Lowmead. John Burridge, Ian Weeks and Ian’s neighbour turned off and left us near the Winfield turn off on a clandestine mission to locate some old car. The remainder continued on braving showers and the occasional heavy downfall to arrive at the Lowmead pub. After one or two beers the discussion turned to the activities for the rest of the day. Deciding it was too long to wait for lunch at Lowmead several ideas were tossed around before deciding to head for the Miriam Vale Hotel, simply because most of us had never eaten there before. After further debate it was decided to brave the shortcut, and its dirt road sections, onto the Tableland Road. We duly conquered this, there were probably only 3 or 4 Kilometres of good dirt and gravel surface and nobody experienced any difficulty. The bikes didn’t even get much dirt on them which must have been a relief to those in the group who had expressed concern over having to wash their bikes.

Now trying to be a responsible ride leader I attempted to keep our pace to a sensible speed. However coming up to the turn off to the Table land Road to Miriam Vale I was passed by about half the group. One of the culprits slowed after the turn off and allowed me past but the remaining two bikes continued to mock my sensible approach and maintained a higher speed. Fearing that they may become lost I gave chase whereupon everybody else joined in and we made Miriam Vale in a very respectable time. Again we encountered some rain but nothing too serious. Apologies from Tony and Lou for their errant behaviour were forthcoming before we retired to the bar for a cold drink. Lunch followed with good food and conversation making for a very enjoyable time.

Since it had been a while since anyone had travelled the highway home we headed off that way for a rest stop at Gin Gin. This time everyone decided to stay behind the ride leader and maintain the sensible speed I had chosen. A quick stop for fuel for some, chocolate for one (Peter Hansen of course) and more entertaining conversation and we departed. Lou left us at South Kolan while we crossed over the Cedars Bridge and headed to my place for coffee. Relaxing on the verandah we agreed that despite or maybe because of the rain, we had all thoroughly enjoyed the day. More stories were told before everyone departed for home.

A quick check on the speedo showed we had travelled a bit over 310 kilometres for the day. Thanks to all who rode and to Peter Williams for being tail end Charlie for the day.

Cania Gorge Ride: 20th & 21st October 2007

2007-10-20T01:01:00.002+10:00

by Peter Hansen

After a late start, 14 people on 12 bikes set off with Tim as escort to the city limits. I’m sure we was wishing he was going with us. The run was peasant because of the cool cloudy weather and incident free. Did anyone notice how conservatively Kevin was riding? We stopped at Mirium Vale for fuel, morning tea and a good chin wag and then a brief stop at Calliope where Rosanne caught up with her daughter. The trip on to Biloela was short and sweet with some taking the direct route and others going via Coal Road which is a windy country road that skirts the Callide power station. Not a bad ride except for the odd burnt tree limb on the road. There had been a recent fire through the area.

Lunch at the Commercial Hotel produced some surprisingly good steaks for those who had them. At this point I had to order Pizzas from the Duck In in Monto to be delivered that night for dinner. What I should have done was to ask them how many pizzas do we need for 16 people. Jamie and Alison were to join us at Cania Gorge. That would have been a smart thing to do but I have never been accused of being smart. What I did was work out what I thought we would eat. More on that later.

After leaving Biloela, we traveled 12 km to the thriving metropolis of Thangool and onto Mt Scoria, known as the singing mountain. For those of us who took the challenge and entered the spiritual domain of this geological phenomenon, the mountain sang. The pathetic wooses who refused to trek the 80m to enlightenment will be left forever wondering.

After Mt Scoria, our next destination was Cania Gorge. Again a pleasant run, although Kevin was still riding conservatively. I wonder why. Maybe Sandra had something to do with it. On arrival at Cania Gorge, out came the drinks and nibblies including some delicious blue vain cheese and some equally delicious wines. Thanks to all those involved.

Then came the pizzas. I had ordered 9 large ones. Actually, I had ordered 9 enormous ones. We could have fed the population of Thangool with these. Try as we might, we seemed to make very little impact on them. Having been beaten by the pizzas, we continued to socialize, finishing at a reasonable hour but I was concerned about the noise level as I had gone to lengths to convince them we were geriatrics too old to party. I lied. The next morning revealed no complaints so that was a load off my mind.

Some of us went for a walk to the dripping rock and on our return, found the rest in a valiant but useless attempt to eat their way through the mountain of pizzas. The walkers joined the feast but we were defeated. The pizzas won.

Departure time saw Adam and Leanne leave for Bundaberg to avoid threatening rain. The rest of us rode to the dam then onto Monto for a refuel. At the Ceratodus turn off, Harry left us to get to Mt. Perry as he was concerned we would be late for the pre-arranged lunch. We headed towards Mt. Perry, again Kevin riding conservatively, only to find Harry standing beside a bike that initially we didn’t recognize. It was his and in very different shape from when we saw it last. Fortunately, he was ok although obviously shaken. He had run wide on a corner and almost rode it out until a patch of sand brought him down. A passing motorist kindly offered assistance. With some cable ties, tape and string, the bike was made rideable but the decision was made to leave the bike hidden from public view and pillion Harry to Mt. Perry. There was concern delayed shock may impede his ability to ride. As it turned out, that was a very wise decision.

The trip to Mt. Perry was steady for some and quicker for others. I blasted past Kevin on one of his favorite roads; still no reaction. Gee he must be smitten badly. On arrival at the pub, it was a welcome site to see the rest of the club members there. Dave and Veronica left fairly quickly followed by Tony and Lol to come back in Dave’s vehicle and trailer to retrieve Harry’s bike.

After a feed and a beer, Harry looked decidedly uncomfortable so Mike Gibb took him to the Gin Gin hospital where he spent some time till he was transferred to Bundaberg by ambulance. As it turned out, he was battered, bruised and shaken, but that’s all. Tough old bugga our Harry is.

There was almost another accident on the run to Gin Gin. I knew he couldn’t contain himself. You know the long down hill straight, well when Sandra wasn’t looking; Kevin gave it some stick, only to have a wallaby step out in front of him and he had to take evasive action.

There was a fuel stop at Gin Gin for some then off to Bundaberg. When I arrived at Quay St., Rosanne and Kerry were there closely followed by Mark. I noticed strange noises coming from the direction of Kerry. It turned out to be a combination of her teeth rattling and knees knocking. She was saturated and almost suffering from hypothermia. I suspect some wet weather gear might be on the short list.

Although the trip was marred by Harry’s accident, it was warming to see everyone pitch in to help, especially Dave and Tony who retrieved the bike.

I would also like to thank John Alexander for being tail end Charlie; which is where he should have been because he was riding on bald tires; on wet roads.

To Riverheads and back – almost: 15th September 2007

2007-09-15T01:01:00.002+10:00

by Tim Sayre

Approximately 18 bikes met at a new spot, due to Quay Street being closed for the Multi cultural festival. The plan called for a leisurely run to paradise dam via Isis mill. From here through Childers to Sexy Coffee for a quick refuel then on to Riverheads with the decision of lunch either at Riverheads or in Hervey bay itself. After lunch, ride to Toogom then up to Woodgate and finally back to Bundaberg. As ride leader I was going to be sticking to 100 to 110 with no ISH this time.
That was the plan, reality was a little different.
It has been arranged to met the Pico's at Childers at around 10:00, so after a quick brief on the day we left at 8:43 sharp (Late already) and headed past Bundaberg High school, on to Walker street and up Takalvan Street.
At the airport we had our first stop of the day. After the initial 18 we were down to 4 bikes already. Eventually we all met up and made our way uneventfully to Isis mill were we took the old road to the highway. I thought I had taken into account most things, but a stupid farmer who couldn’t drive wasn't one I had mentioned. Managed to eventually get past him and on to the highway, where once again set a steady pace to the Booyal turn off, which on the way to we passed Tony Pico heading to Childers. John Burrage decided to follow them. Bike numbers had dropped again, but the corner markers were catching us up, so tail end couldn't be too far.
Made it to the turn off to Paradise dam and for the first time, took a leisurely ride through to the dam wall. On the ride passed a couple of bikes heading the other way pushing hard. These guys were lapping and surprised Tony and Loll. Within minutes, all the riders had caught up and we spend a few minutes recovering. 30 minutes later we were off to Childers.
Dave and Mark had ridden ahead for work reasons and were waiting at the park. We went through Childers with approximately 6 bikes, 4 of which turned off when they saw John and the Pico's leaving Grumpy and I on the highway. Grumpy went ahead to get fuel and eventually the bikes came out and I continued to Sexy Coffee. The traffic was HORENDOUS!! Eventually made it and decided that as it was 11:45, this would be lunch. Ok so the plan was a little bit out but not too bad.
Peter Hansen had to fuel up the new bike after trying to do a dump and burn off all his fuel. These new bikes and their fancy fuel lines! This wouldn't have happened on the old bike.
½ hour for lunch then on again. Tony, Loll and John would meet up with us after a short stop in Maryborough. It was decided that Riverheads was really just the end of the road, and rather than go in, we would just go past, head into Hervey Bay and go down along the esplanade.
Entering the bay via Elizabeth Street we pulled up at Kondari resort waiting for Tail end Charlie. When everybody was assembled, and Mark had scared the local wildlife, we left for the run along the esplanade. Looking in my mirror, it didn’t look like 17 bikes, but maybe I couldn't count.
The esplanade was a pleasant little ride, seeing the sites the bay had to offer. Waved to Tony, Loll and John as they came the other way, and made our way out of Hervey bay. On turning at the fuel station, I was the only bike, and for a minute I thought I had done a Harry and lost everybody, but no here they all came, so off to Toogoom we go for a whistle wetter.
From Toogoom we went at a leisurely pace to Apple Tree Creek, that was until we hit the highway. We had a couple of spurts to get around a few trucks, caravans and idiots, but eventually we made it safely to Apple Tree. In the process Adam, Geoff pulled off at Childers and John kept going through Apple Tree. A whistle wetter later and a few stories, we again were on the road for the last part of the run to Hervey Norman. Pulling up, I was the only one again, but eventually everybody pulled up successfully and we managed to get a group shot.
Thanks to Syd for being tail end Charlie and thanks for all those who did the corner marking. It worked really well.
All in all an enjoyable day covering approximately 390 k's.
Thank-you.

Thebine Ride: 19th August 2007

2007-08-19T01:01:00.000+10:00

by Warren Walker

A total of nine bikes left the Quay Street car park on a cool and overcast day. We travelled via Goodwood Road to Childers where John Burridge left us to return home. The remainder of us continued on to the service station outside Maryborough for a rest stop and to allow some to top up their tanks. Continuing on we turned off at Maryborough onto the road to Biggendon and then onto the back road to Tiaro through Mungar. Passing through Tiaro we turned off the highway again and took the road less travelled via Gundiah and onto Theebine.
On arrival at the Theebine pub we discussed the option of the lookouts at the Gunalda Range repeater station and weather radar station. Various reasons were cited for staying at the pub before John Alexandra and Tim decided they were keen to go. So the three of us left to have a look. We went via the old Gunalda Range road (boom gates are meant to be ridden around, aren’t they?) before undertaking the steep climb to the look out areas. Here we were rewarded with spectacular views despite the overcast conditions.
We returned to the pub at a more rapid pace with Tim and I having to chase John who had expressed a desire to have some fun on the series of tight 40 Km/Hr corners between the highway and Theebine. He wasn’t going to be put off by the small matter of a slow coaster bus which got in his way so a small amount of off road work and he was past. It must have given the driver quite a start because he pulled up and allowed Tim and myself to pass easily. Thanks John. We continued on in a spirited manner to rejoin the others.
On hearing a bus load of people were arriving for lunch we decided to get in quick and placed orders for lunch from the customary Sunday barbecue. The bus load of elderly people arrived shortly after with Harry appearing to be popular with several of the ladies stopping to chat with him.
While lunch was good we were forced to eat in the backyard to escape the load music being played by live musicians, with some people expressing doubt over their musical ability. It was suggested that the elderly customers from the bus were able to cope with the volume by switching off their hearing aids but for the rest of us it was simply too loud.
Due to work commitments Veronica was forced to depart early with Dave and Tim electing to accompany her home. The rest of us waited until 1:30 for the possible arrival of Peter and Tony who were returning from an over night trip to Brisbane. We returned the way we had come after deciding it was less hectic and much more pleasant than the highway. Stopping at the Torbanlea Mobil we wondered why John had departed from the plan and pulled up at the servo at Sexy Coffee. John duly arrived to join us for coffee and explain his wayward actions.
Preparing to leave who should be coming down the highway but Peter and Tony. They had arrived at Theebine about 10-15 minutes after we had left. A quick conversation on the servo forecourt ensured where we checked out Peters new Triumph Sprint. We left to do battle with the highway traffic before pulling up at the normal spot outside Harvey Normans.
A more thorough inspection of Peter’s new bike was made by all while Peter extolled its virtues and performance over the weekend. He is obviously well pleased with his choice.
We all headed for home after travelling around 360 kms for the day. The weather had been kind to us and although we had travelled over some sections of wet road the only rain of significance we had encountered was while we were at the pub. We had enjoyed the back roads and found them to be a pleasant and relaxing alternative and agreed that the highway sections of the days travel were heavily trafficked, hectic and nowhere near as enjoyable.
Thanks to all who rode and thank you to Kevin for acting as tail end Charlie for the day.